How to Clean Leather Mittens: The Ultimate Care Guide

To clean leather mittens without damaging them, gently wipe the surface with a damp microfiber cloth. If they are visibly dirty, use a tiny drop of mild soap (like Castile or saddle soap) mixed with warm water. Never soak the mittens or submerge them in water. Rinse by wiping with a clean damp cloth, air dry at room temperature away from heat, and always apply a leather conditioner to keep them waterproof and soft.

Why Leather Mittens Require Special Care

Leather mittens are a winter essential. They offer superior warmth compared to gloves because your fingers share a heat source, but they also endure the harshest elements: snow, ice, salt, and sweat.

Over time, sweat from your hands can break down the leather from the inside, while salt and dirt dry it out from the outside. If neglected, the leather will stiffen, crack, and lose its ability to keep you warm.

Regular cleaning isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about longevity. Proper care removes the bacteria that cause odors and replenishes the natural oils that keep the leather flexible and durable.

Step 1: Identify Your Leather Type

Before you start cleaning, it is crucial to know what quality of leather you are handling. The density and grain of the leather dictate how it reacts to moisture.

If you purchased your mittens from Stompers Gloves, you have a distinct advantage.

Important Note: All mittens and gloves sold at Stompers Gloves are crafted exclusively from Full Grain or Top Grain Leather.

Unlike “Genuine” or bonded leather (which are lower grades that can peel or disintegrate), the premium leather used by Stompers Gloves is made from the strongest part of the hide.

• Full-Grain Leather: The most durable tier. It retains the natural texture of the hide and is highly breathable. It responds beautifully to cleaning and conditioning.

• Top-Grain Leather: Slightly thinner and more pliable than full-grain, with a sanded surface for a smooth finish. It is robust and easy to clean.

• Suede: If your mittens have a velvety, napped finish, stop. Do not use water or soap. Suede requires a crepe brush and a suede eraser to clean.

For all smooth leather mittens (Full and Top Grain), follow the steps below.

Step 2: The Cleaning Process

Caring for your leather mittens doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need expensive kits—just a gentle touch and the right technique.

1. The Surface Wipe

Start by removing loose dirt and salt.

• Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with warm water. Do not soak the cloth; it should be damp, not dripping.

• Put the mittens on your hands. This is the best way to maintain their shape while cleaning.

• Gently wipe the entire surface to remove surface dust.

2. The Deep Clean (For Stains and Grime)

If water alone isn’t enough:

• Apply a drop of mild soap (Castile soap or a dedicated leather cleaner) to your damp cloth. Avoid harsh detergents or standard hand soaps, as they contain chemicals that strip leather oils.

• Rub the cloth in gentle circular motions, focusing on the palms and thumbs where grime accumulates.

• Pro Tip: Do not scrub aggressively. Let the cleaner do the work.

3. The Rinse

• Rinse your cloth with plain warm water and wring it out thoroughly.

• Wipe the mittens down again to remove any soap residue. Leaving soap on the leather can dry it out and attract more dirt later.

Step 3: Drying Your Mittens Correctly

This is where most people ruin their leather gear.

• Lay them flat: Place the mittens on a dry towel at room temperature.

• Avoid Heat Sources: Never place leather mittens on a radiator, near a fireplace, or use a hair dryer. Direct heat cooks the leather fibers, causing them to shrink, warp, and crack instantly.

• Avoid Sunlight: Do not dry them in direct sun, as UV rays will fade the color and dry out the hide.

Step 4: Conditioning (The Secret to Longevity)

Cleaning removes dirt, but it also removes moisture. If you wash your hands without applying lotion, they get dry; leather is no different.

Once the mittens are dry, you must condition them.

1. Use a high-quality leather balm, oil, or conditioner.

2. Apply a small amount to a soft cloth (never directly onto the leather).

3. Massage it into the mittens, paying extra attention to the seams and the knuckles.

4. Allow the conditioner to absorb for a few hours (or overnight) before wearing them again.

Conditioning restores the water-resistance of the leather, ensuring your hands stay dry in the snow.

How to Clean the Inside (The Lining)

Mittens can get sweaty. Since you cannot easily turn leather mittens inside out without damaging the leather, use these tricks to keep the inside fresh:

• The Baking Soda Trick: Sprinkle baking soda inside the mittens and let them sit overnight to absorb odors and moisture. Shake them out thoroughly the next morning.

• The Vinegar Mist: Lightly mist the inside with a solution of 50% water and 50% white vinegar. Vinegar kills bacteria and neutralizes odors. Allow them to air dry completely with the cuffs open.

What to Avoid (The “Do Not” List)

To ensure your Stompers Gloves mittens last for decades, avoid these common mistakes:

• NO Washing Machines: Submerging leather causes it to swell and lose its shape.

• NO Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and alcohol-based cleaners will destroy the finish.

• NO Wringing: Never twist leather to get the water out; simply pat it dry.

Final Thoughts

Proper cleaning and conditioning preserve your investment, ensuring your mittens remain stylish, comfortable, and warm for years to come. By treating your Full Grain or Top Grain Stompers Gloves with care, they will eventually mold to your hands, offering a custom fit that synthetic materials just can’t match.